time with my daughter...

I am going to spend the night at my daughter's after I get off work. It will be my first time doing this. She will be moving into another apartment soon and will have a full-time roommate, so I am going to go spend time with her while her current roommate goes home on the weekends. She says she is going to paint my toenails....if you knew anything about me, that is quite a leap for me. I pretty much a no-nonsense kind of gal, so painted toenails is a stretch for me!!! Maybe see a movie or rent one, go to the mall....hang out.

Valentines Day is just around the corner. My late husband didn't believe in buying into all the commercialism. He said if you aren't showing your loved ones "love stuff" everyday, then something is wrong. I guess it is just like giving flowers to people while they are still alive. Those arrangements at funerals....why, yes, people deserve them now! To enjoy the colors, smell the fragrances and be able to smile and say thank you!

Wishing you all a blessed Valentines Day. The story of why we have Valentines Day is quite interesting. Maybe do a search on it, hmmm...

My Sister's Keeper

I just finished this book by Jody Picoult. I haven't seen the movie. I am still shaking from finishing it. Has anyone else read it and not seen the movie yet? Oh, the parts each person plays in this story! It is so deep and maybe that is why I am shaking....I feel I am in deep somewhere after reading this story. Being a parent....what a heavy responsibility and to have to have a situation like the one from the story, oh my! I feel the author handled it beautifully. Maybe there should be a blog devoted to great stories read and a synopsis written. That would be cool. Our own

online bookclub! Well, I have to get in my craft room now. Work tomorrow at the antique store and like to have a project handy to do. Lately been making stationary type things.....cards, placecards, etc. Tying things up with rickrack and pretty cut tags. Need to get the camera out!

touche to crochet!!!

The weather is the topic of conversation around here most of the time these days. We have so much snow that if it were to warm up quickly we would have lots of problems. It is cold, though, very cold. In the minus twenties early this morning. Seems like a day for crocheting. I made these jelly roll hats pincushions awhile ago. Crocheted some scarves recently and have them for sale at the antique store where I work. Need to be more disciplined about taking pictures of things once they are created.

One of our convenience stores has one of those electronic marquees that flashes "one more day closer to spring!" Trying to hold on to that, but make the most of each day as it presents itself.......smiles....

Snow falling...lots and lots.....again!

Expected school to be called out early....been snowing since early this
morning. Been white, white, white for sooooo long. Looking forward
to some color eventually.

The same day that there was the earthquake, the house north of us
burned. Two little boys were home sick and playing with a lighter.
Everyone got out safe and the family has found a new place to rent.
People say that the owner of the house will probably not build
another house on the lot. Joe and I slept through the whole deal!
Joe works overnights and I hadn't slept well, so layed back down
with him and I woke up around 10:30 and a friend called me
around 1:30 and asked if we were alright. Said we were fine and
then she told me what happened. Looked out the window and
noticed it for the first time.....the window of the tv room.

Our community pulled together and took care of the family and
provided them with money to get clothing for the family and
other essentials. That is what is great about living in a small
community.....people pull together.

Well, I should get something done around here today. Was
hoping to work, but they didn't need me. Have training to
do for the next three days. Been getting my booth redone
at the antique store. Selling lots of items to help others be
crafty, I guess. Have lots more to put in as I have way too
much in my craft room.....projects that would take more than
one lifetime! Asking wisdom on what to choose to do and
what to give up on. Always could use a little wisdom!!!

It's been cold and white, very white

It is a new year and we should all be excited about that!!! 'Course, we have had amazing weather here since shortly before Christmas.....lots of snow, then lots of very cold temperatures and as of late, fog with freezing white all over the trees. Some would call it a winter wonderland....at night, though, I think it is kinda scary, especially when traveling away from home around 60 miles to attend a wrestling meet....my 13 year old, Isaac had one tonight. Am waiting for him to get home. We had to leave early so my husband could get to work on time.

Been wrestling with a few things lately. Wondering if I should hang up the creative part of me and concentrate on other things. Trying to balance it hasn't gone well. My work at the antique store just doesn't excite me anymore. I need to start on my book idea but this will be a painful endeavor because of the subject, but it will need to be tackled soon. It will be going on 4 years this May that Mark died. I need to start working on this journey of cancer that he went through.....if it will even help one person, to share this, I need to do it. If anyone is reading this, would sure appreciate your prayers. I just want to be doing what is important......what God wants me to do. Can I mix the two in this life, the love of creating and serving Him? I would like to think so.....just want to find that balance and not miss any opportunities of being available to the Holy Spirit in being there for people.

We have adopted a dog from the Humane Society this last fall. Bev is working out fine. Having a time with the black hair on stuff.....plugged in a couple humidifiers to help with the static. I need to get some pictures of her to put on here.

Well, Isaac just called. About 30 miles from home....I will be glad when he is home safe. It is almost 11 o'clock!

Say, has anyone checked out the JUNKMARKET ladies and their website lately? It is such a fun place to go on the computer!

Blessings this night......debbie

leaves have fallen and fallen and fallen.....

Overnight! We get freezing temperatures and the next day, POOF! The leaves
just start falling. I stood outside early in the morning and just listened to the
leaves fall like rain. Now, I deliberately "shuffle" through the leaves covering
the sidewalks. This morning, as Isaac and I walked to church....we purposely
kicked the leaves up at each other. This is a beautiful time of year....the beginning
of so many living things getting ready to go to sleep. And many living things do
die, also. Reminds me of the ladies retreat that I just returned from....there
was a profound saying shared....."I live to die, I die to live. The more I die, the
more I live." True freedom in Christ....to die to self. Talked also about living
in this moment. Greek definition for moment...."the tiniest of particles that
can shift the scales." Awesome definition.....moments matter. Let's not waste
time!

Doggy Duke kinda day!!!!

Hard to believe it is almost October!!! We are thinking seriously about going to the local humane society soon and picking out a dog. We have had dogs in the past and is time to have another friendly furry face around the house. Kids have flown the coop except one and Isaac has six years with us by himself.....need to find him a companion to come home to.

I made this tray and offered it on ebay awhile back. It was fun making it. Dear friends gave me the pictures of this dog when he was growing up out in the country. Created the scene and felt that I should give this guy a name. "Duke" seemed appropriate. Couldn't remember if my friends told me the dog's name. Duke looks like a good fit. What do you think? All is well here. Suppose to freeze tonight. Leaves are falling. Beautiful.....blessings! deb